Battery connector



Oct. 15, 1940. C. l.; DUNLAP 2,217,798

BATTERY CONNECTOR Filed Nov. 16, 1938 A TTORNEY.

Patented Oct. 15, 1940 i. Y UNITED STATES PATENT f OFFICE p 2,217,798 l f` f c BATTERY CONNECTOR Clarence E.vl)unlap, Sioux City, Iowa .I n Application Nofniber 16, 193s, seriaiNo. Macao-1,: n 2 claims. (c1. 1"1"s"'- 259)` My invention pertains to a battery connector of the storage battery type.

An object of my invention is to provide a battery connector which will include features rendering it highly conductive up to the battery post itself.

A further object of my invention is .to providel a process for forming such connectors and to provide a connector of simple construction.

With these and other objects in view, my invention consists in the construction, arrangement and combination of the various parts of my device, whereby the objects contemplated are attained, as hereinafter more fully set forth, pointed out in my claims, and illustrated in the accompanying drawing, in which:

Figure l is a sectional view taken along the lines I--I of Figure 2,

Figure 2 is a sectional View taken substantially along the lines 2-2 of Figure 1, and

Figure 3 is a plan v-iew of the connector and post.

My invention contemplates principally the provision of Ia connector which allows the cable strands connected thereto to pass therethrough so that the strands are snugly engaged about the battery post itself. The usual all lead connectors or connectors of similar composition sets up a fairly substantial resistance to the electric circuit passing to the post and as a result, the maximum 'amount of current can not ow due tol such resistance.

I have, furthermore, provided certain means for strengthening the connector which means together with the above will be now explained.

I have used the character I to designate a battery cable with the character I0 fur-ther illustrating the outer insulation thereof. The connector, which can be made of lead or suitable composition, is indicated by the character II which extends into the socket portion I 2 and lugs I3 and I4. The connector II includes an annular cavity at I5 (see Figure 2) which cavity is adapted to receive the tempered steel ring I6 which ring terminates in the outwardly extending portions I1 and I8 which portions are received within suitable rectangular cavities in the lugs I4 and I3.

An 'opening I 9 is provided centrally in the ring I6 and passing through the opening I9 are the copper strands 20 of the cable I0. The strands 20 are spread or split apart at 2| and arev arranged in the two arcuate portions 22 and 23 s which overlie the steel ring I6, and which terminate at 24. 'Ihe battery post is indicated by the character 25. The lug I3 includes an opening at 26 adapted to receivethe cap screw 21, the threads of which are engaged at 28 with the threads provided in the lug I4 and the steel portion I'I. Y

After spreading the strands 20 in the shape as described they can be `sweated into the lug by clamping the arrangement on to a dummy post of the same shape as the post 25, and then pouring a tinning compound through an opening 29 which communicates through the connector II to the strands, and by pouring the heated tinning compound in this manner, the composition will spread throughout the arcuate portions of the strands as well as the portions within the socket I2.

This provides the additional features of preventing a certain amount of electrolysis since a thin film of the tinning compound will then lie between the strands and the post, Without, however, interfering with the conductivity thereof on account of the extreme thinness of the tinning layer. However, it is not essential for complete tinning of the strands since the upper portion 30 and the lower portion 3I (see Figure 2) of the connector, which are adjacent the cavity I5, will have the tendency of sealing the cavity against acid fumes and the like to prevent deterioration etc.

It will be seen from the foregoing construction that the threads of the cap screw 2'I will not strip since they are engaged within the strengthened steel portion Il. It will also be seen that the steel band I6 strengthens the entire connector so that the softer portions of the connector will not be loosened or will not be bent out of shape.

It will be seen further that I have provided a connector for batteries which insure-s a maximum amount of conductivity up to the battery itself and'that I have provided certain other features readily apparent from rthe above description.

Some, changes may be made in the construction and arrangement of the parts of my invention without'l departing from the real spirit and purpose of my invention, and it is my intention .to cover by my claims any modified forms of structure or use of mechanical equivalents, which may be reasonably included Within their scope.

I `claim as my invention:

1. A connector for storage batteries comprising a connector member including a pair of arcuate connector portions, a socket member attached thereto, a cable including connecting strands received through said socket member, said strands being spread apart and continuing along said arcuate members and adapted to be positioned adjacent a battery post, a metal reinforcing strip positioned interiorly of said arcuate strand portions, said arcuate connector members including extended i'lugs, said metal reinforcing member ex tending into said lugs, one of said lugs and one extremity of the reinforcing member having threads, a cap screw received through said lugs and threadably engaged with said threads.

2. A connector for storage batteries comprising a connector member including a pair of arcuate connector portions, a socket member attached thereto, -a cable including connecting strands received through said socket member, said strands being spread apart and continuing along said arcuate members and adapted to be positioned adjacent a battery post, a metal reinforcing strip positioned interiorly of said arcuate strand portions, said arcuate connector members including extended lugs, said metal reinforcing member extending into said lugs, one of said lugs and 'one extremity of the reinforcing member having threads, a cap screw received through said lugs and threadably engaged With said threads, said connector having an upward opening communicating With said strand portions ffor receiving tinning compounds therein for coating said strands.

CLARENCE E. DUNLAP. 

